I was welcomed into a new world of mental health this week. I’m not sure how much I want to talk about it. In short one of my sons had what I would call a psychotic episode and we felt we needed help. After consulting friends and neighbors we felt the right thing to do was call 911. The police came and were absolutely wonderful with my son.
The next day, today, was round two. Round two involved 911 again, followed by an escort to the ER at Primary Children’s Hospital where I learned help is complicated; answers are not clear, and resolutions are not guaranteed. Even though we were grately blessed by our friends who helped us through it.
I wanted to talk about one miracle and one insight.
MIRACLE: I found myself following my son after he had run away. He took a route along the Murdock Canal Trail near our home. Note: I am not in good shape. I have a bad hip and I’m overweight. As I followed him, I knew I could not run. But I walked briskly. My leg held up. The miracle was my heart and lungs. I remember walking and realizing my pulse and blood pressure were not elevated, and my breathing was calm and smooth. No matter how fast I walked (as fast as I could) they remained the same. It was a strange sensation for me. I felt the spirit of God was with me and keeping my body at rest.
INSIGHT: I came to a Dark Tunnel passing under a busy road where the trail transitioned from one side to the other. I remember walking up to it and thinking, isn’t this ironic, passing through a dark tunnel? It was metaphorical of what my family is going through. But I also realized there was light at the end of the tunnel. Even though I was walking briskly, I stopped and took a photo to remember it. I wanted to remember there is hope for a brighter day on the other side. It just may suck for a period of time.
When I got through the tunnel the day got harder. But, hope has been there.
I hope and pray for those who are passing through similar challenges in life. There really are more questions than answers at times. You have to hope and put your trust in God that things will get better. I learned that today. I knew it before but I believe I see it on a different level now.